COVID-19 Pandemic Update
RPM's programs have been interrupted due to the COVID-19 pandemic.  The Keweenaw Storytelling Center,  is now scheduled to open in early November  In the meantime, we're working to offer online programming. Subscribe to our e-newsletter to receive updates! 

Real People Media has received funding from the Michigan Humanities and the National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH)
as part of the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act economic stabilization plan.
Real People Media (RPM) is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization with the mission to help people share their stories through the literary, visual, performing and media arts. Since 2010, RPM has helped individuals and organizations share stories which educated, entertain, and inspire.  
View our success stories.

RPM hosts storytelling events and classes, provides visual artists with exhibit space, and performance opportunities for storytellers. We provide storytelling activities for all ages, from puppet shows for children, animation and media classes for teens and theatrical events for adults. Come share your story!

Opening 2020

In 2019, Real People Media was gifted the historic 1948 Woolworth's building in Calumet for the creation of the Keweenaw Storytelling Center. The Center is located in Calumet's Historic District within the Keweenaw National Historical Park.  We're raising funds to renovate the building to include a 100 seat theatre for storytelling, planetarium shows, performances of "The Red Jacket Jamboree," film showings, musical concerts, and historical lectures. The 7,600 square foot facility  will also feature a puppet theatre, soda fountain, gift shop, and exhibit area.  Read More and view a slideshow of the renovation from roof collapse until now!

MCACA Capital Improvement Grant - Video Tour

Real People Media has applied for a Capital Improvement Grant for the build out of ADA compliant restrooms. The video below outlines our renovation plans.  This grant requires a 1 to 1 match. Donations may be made on this page. 

In our Window - Rise Up Keweenaw Chapter

The Keweenaw Storytelling Center offers 15x10 foot display window to local nonprofit organizations on a rotating basis.  Currently the Keweenaw Chapter of "Rise Up" has a display commemorating the 100th anniversary of the ratification of the 19th amendment to the U.S. constitution which gave women the right to vote.  The exhibit includes a timeline of significant events which preceded and followed the ratification.  Come check it out!  You'll probably be surprised by information in the exhibit.   Real People Media will host events in conjunction with this exhibit including The Red Jacket Jamboree episode of "Women Get the Vote" to be performed/recorded on September 19 at the Rozsa Center.  

Never Miss a Story!

Help Us Grow Community!

Real People Media is a
501(c)3 nonprofit organization.
Donations are tax-deductible!

Real People Media
​Receives Support from:

"Around the World in 80 Hats" 

Picture
Youth modeling hats from the Linda Weston Collection.
Opening in November 2020, “Around the World in 80 Hats,” is an art and cultural exhibit of international hats. The exhibit, tailored to children and adults alike, will feature hands-on interpretive centers and be augmented with performances and activities which heighten the visitors' understanding and appreciation of art and culture as expressed through these hats.  Featured in the exhibit will be approximately 60 international hats from the Linda Weston Collection, 10-20 vintage hats from Friends of Fashion, and vintage and new utilitarian hats (miner's and firemen's helmet, cowboy hat etc.)  Read More

Voice Box Sessions - Offered Winter 2021!

PictureOpen Mic Performer at the RPM Voice Box Sessions. (photo by Kim Mettler)
Launched in December of 2012, RPM's Voice Box Sessions features emerging singer-songwriters and musicians. The Voice Box Sessions, provides a warm and supportive environment for artists to perform original work. Following the featured performer, Real People Media invites singer-songwriters and storytellers to participate in our open Mic. 

The Voice Box Sessions is a unique concert series, which not only provides community enrichment, but fosters the artistic development of young performers who are coached by professional mentors. The concerts, which are open to the public by donation ($12 suggested), are videotaped and photographed. Performers are able to use these items for their portfolios,  promotional, or personal development.
​Read More.

The Red Jacket Jamboree, a NEW old-time radio variety show!

Picture
Red Jacket Actors (photo by Chelsea Batten)
October 2020
Keweenaw Storytelling Center
Recording of our 35th and 36th episodes of The Red Jacket Jamboree will be recorded sans audience (except 2) to help contain the spread of the COVID-19 virus.   We'll be recording two great episodes: "Isle Royale," a tribute to Casablanca and "Women Get the Vote" celebrating the 100th anniversary of the ratification of the 19th amendement. Shows include songs, stories, and music which share the history and culture of Michigan's Keweenaw Peninsula (AKA Copper Country).  Join host Lena Dorey, Martin Achatz (the Poet Laureate of the U.P.), the Copper Cats, Red Jacket Actors, and guest performers for an evening of music, songs and comedy! 
​Read More.

Calumet Historical Walking Tours - Suspended in 2020 due to COVID-19.

Picture
Oak Street Calumet by R. Glotfelty (2020)
Real People Media offers historical walking tours of historic Calumet.  The 50-minute tours will start and end at the Keweenaw Storytelling Center.  Follow us on Facebook and subscribe to our E-Newsletter to be notified of tours and other activities. Read More